The resort’s most historic building, Torre Abbey, will take centre stage in this year’s Bay of Lights programme
Torquay in Devon is gearing up to transform into a winter wonderland, complete with a dazzling light show and Christmas market. The town’s most historic building, Torre Abbey, will be the centrepiece of this spectacle, featuring an awe-inspiring light projection show.
The Bay of Lights programme, set to kick off in two weeks (Friday, November 29), will see the front of the abbey morph into a canvas of light and history through an innovative light projection show titled ‘Alive with Light’.
This 3D display will pay homage to the building’s heritage, narrating the tale of 800 years of Christmas at the Abbey. Viewers will be treated to a visual and musical extravaganza.
Images inspired by various historical periods will be projected onto the newly restored architecture of the abbey, all set to a mesmerising musical soundtrack. This light projection show forms a crucial part of this year’s Bay of Lights Illumination Trail, which runs every evening from Friday, November 29, 2024 until Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Visitors can embark on their 1.5-mile trail journey at Torre Abbey, then meander through the magical Tunnel of Lights, before taking a leisurely stroll along the picturesque seafront promenade.
Finally, they can explore the vibrant harbourside, where live music awaits from 6 to 9pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening until Saturday, December 21. The Trail is made possible by Torbay Council, The English Riviera Bid Company, SWISCo and the creator of the light displays, local company Future Technical Solutions (FTS).
And new for 2024 is the ‘sponsor a flower’ initiative. For just £10, you can sponsor an LED flower in the name of your choice. The names will be displayed on boards/projections at the sunken gardens and sponsors will receive a digital certificate to recognise their donation.
Running alongside the light show is Torquay’s first Christmas market which will take place on the grounds of Torre Abbey. The market will offer an array of holiday treats, unique gifts, artisanal crafts as well as a tempting selection of food and drink.
It’s the perfect place to enjoy some Christmas shopping and to find the perfect gift for your loved ones while soaking up the festive atmosphere. There will be over 30 local stalls and food traders and fun family activities.
Two large, covered areas will be a haven for those looking to escape the chill, offering a chance to warm up with a mulled beverage or local beer while feasting on delicious food and enjoying a mesmerising light projection show. The Exeter Beer Company is teaming up with Torbay Council and Torre Abbey to bring this festive experience to life.
The market will welcome visitors daily from November 29 until December 22, with varying opening times. Entry is completely free and everyone is invited to join in the festive fun.
Moreover, Torre Abbey is hosting its beloved gift and craft fair, Winter Fest, in the Spanish Barn from Saturday, November 30 to Sunday, December 1. This event showcases unique handmade local crafts perfect for Christmas, including decorations, toys, jewellery, and crochet gifts.
Guests can also get up close with alpacas from a nearby farm, snap up alpaca-related products, and soak in the festive atmosphere with music, decorations, and mulled wine. The event is free to enter, and there’s a bonus of 50% off house and garden admissions throughout the Winter Fest weekend.
Cllr Jacqueline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture and Events and Corporate Services at Torbay Council, said: “With its stunning light projection display and festive Christmas market, Torre Abbey is a must-visit attraction for anyone coming to the English Riviera this Christmas. Ideally situated at the start of the Bay of Lights Illumination Trail, it offers a fantastic opportunity to get into the festive spirit and indulge in some Christmas shopping before enjoying the rest of the light installations.”
Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive of the English Riviera BID Company, expressed her excitement: ”It is very exciting to see the Bay of Lights, a resort-wide winter marketing campaign initiated by the English Riviera BID Company, continue to grow, with new attractions joining the programme this year.
“There will certainly be lots of festive fun for all the family and many reasons to visit and stay on the English Riviera to share the magic this year. The English Riviera BID Company are pleased to continue to be sponsors of the Illumination Trail.”
